MR imaging during endovascular procedures: An evaluation of the potential for catheter heating

MRI in catheterized patients is considered unsafe due to the potential for focal heating. This concern arises from the continuous metallic braid that is incorporated into catheters to provide their desired physical properties. The potential for catheter heating during MR scanning was assessed in an in vitro model simulating a patient undergoing a neurovascular procedure in which MR scans of the brain will be performed. Heating adjacent to endovascular devices was assessed with fluoroptic temperature probes in a polyacrylamide gel. The effect of variable immersion lengths, lateral and longitudinal offsets, position along the endovascular device, physical MR system, and specific absorption rate (SAR) level were studied to determine their effect on catheter heating. A rapid temperature rise was evident next to endovascular devices during MR scanning and varied moderately with immersed length, position within the bore, measurement point on the device, and MR system used. Peak heating rates were less than 1°C/min with maximal SAR exposure and anatomically realistic geometries. Heating scaled linearly with SAR and SAR values below 0.2 W/kg produced negligible heating near catheters. For the evaluated application, substantial SAR restrictions, coupled with limited imaging durations, are proposed as sufficient to permit MRI without concern for thermal injury. Magn Reson Med 61:45–53, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.